Centre-back – Christoph Zimmermann (Norwich City)

As Norwich City look to replicate Huddersfield with their German manager, Christoph Zimmermann already looks like a key part of their team.

The 24-year-old joined manager Daniel Farke in swapping Borussia Dortmund’s reserves for Carrow Road and had an impressive debut at Fulham, part of a defence which limited last season’s joint top scorers in the league to just one goal.

He was Farke’s captain at Borussia Dortmund II so the manager obviously trusts him, and he could be a crucial part in their new-look three at the back.

The 6ft 4ins defender could find a perfect home in the Championship, and he’s ready for the physicality of the league: “With my physical constitution I like the in-fights, I like winning headers,” he said upon his arrival.

The Germain joined the Canaries on a two-year deal when his contract expired at Borussia Dortmund

Left-back – Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

It was a shock to many Fulham fans to see Ryan Sessegnon named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year last season at just 16.

That’s not to say he didn’t have a great breakthrough season, but he was often used further forward with Scott Malone Slavisa Jokanovic’s pick at left-back.

But with Malone now at Huddersfield, Sessegnon is the Whites’ first-choice left back.

Subject of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur transfer rumours, the now-17-year-old has pledged his future to Fulham and it will be a crucial year for him, as he looks to build on his five league goals and fine start to first-team football.

KYL-ER BLOW

STAR STRIKER

five-star rip off

Outrage for Irish footie fans as Cardiff hotels more than triple room prices ahead of crunch World Cup clash against Wales

Central midfielder – Madger Gomes (Leeds United)

The signings of Wiedwald, Vurnon Anita and Hadi Sacko may have been higher profile for Leeds this summer, but the arrival of 20-year-old Madger Gomes from Liverpool could prove to be the most exciting.

The former Villarreal youngster failed to make the first team at Anfield and was signed for Leeds’ Under-23 side with a view to moving to the first team in the future.

But impressive performances in pre-season, especially against North Ferriby United where he ran the game, showed glimpses of his enormous potential.

He has been given a squad number and, although he didn’t make the 18 for Sunday’s 3-2 win over Bolton Wanderers, it would be no surprise if he established himself as a regular member the first team by the end of the season.

Honeyman joined Sunderland's academy at the age of 10, before making his professional debut in 2015

Attacking midfielder – Tom Cairney (Fulham)

The standout player in a Fulham side that played the best football in the Championship last season, all eyes will be on Tom Cairney this season.

He was a Newcastle United transfer target in the summer, with the Magpies having a £20million bid rejected by Jokanovic’s side.

And when a bid of that much money is rejected, it’s only natural to expect the player to have a great season.

There’s hope and expectation at Craven Cottage he can replicate the heights of last season. He was at the centre of everything good about Fulham last term, scoring 13 goals and providing ten assists, as well as having the best passing accuracy in the Championship – 92.6% – while making the most passes in the league – 3623.

Left winger – Jota (Brentford)

The January return of Spaniard Jota from his 18-month loan at Eibar really revitalised Brentford last season.

He arrived slightly too late for a play-off push, but he finished the campaign with 12 goals and five assists from just 19 Championship starts, giving Brentford fans real hope for the 2017/18 season.

Already a cult hero thanks to his last-minute goal in the 2-1 win over rivals Fulham, he could cement his legendary status if he builds on last season’s form and helps Brentford to a surprise promotion.